First Division (Albania) (Kategoria e Parë) - the second tier of the Albanian national league system, organized under the Albanian Football Association. Regulations: 12 clubs compete across 3 regular phases and points are awarded on a 3-1-0 basis. If teams finish level on points, ranking is decided by head-to-head points, head-to-head goal difference, overall goal difference, overall goals scored, and then a draw of lots. The teams placed 1st and 2nd are promoted directly to Abissnet Superiore, while places 3-6 play single-match play-offs in the pairings 3-6 and 4-5 hosted by the higher-ranked team, and if level after 90 minutes the higher-ranked team advances, followed by a one-off play-off final at a venue set by the association with extra time and penalties if needed. The play-off winner then plays a one-match promotion play-off away to the 8th-placed Abissnet Superiore club, with extra time and penalties if level. The clubs finishing 11th and 12th are relegated to Kategoria e Dytë, while 9th and 10th play one-off play-outs against the winners of the Group A and Group B play-offs of Kategoria e Dytë at a venue set by the association, with extra time and penalties if required. The competition does not award direct UEFA qualification, as international places are allocated via the top division and the Albanian Cup, so the practical route is through promotion.
